Work That Waiver Wire: Kevin Walter and Other Week 3 Fantasy Wonders

The aftermath of last week's results produced the likes of Brandon Jackson and Michael Vick. This week was a great week for many players that were probably left undrafted in your fantasy league.

Without further ado, here are some players who rocked the NFL week 2 and are worth consideration for week 3 and beyond.

Quarterbacks

Josh Freeman, Buccaneers

Week 2: 12 for 24, 178 Yds. 2 TD's; 4 rushes 43 Yds.

For the first two weeks, Freeman has shown that he has made the necessary improvements to become an NFL quarterback. This week, Freeman was essentially the entire offense as Cadillac Williams averaged less than two YPC on 27 carries. He flashed the speedy legs too, adding 43 yards on the ground.

Freeman has a bad next two weeks with Pittsburgh and a bye, but is still a guy you should take a look at in deeper leagues and two QB formats. He's not a must add at this point, but definitely keep an eye on how he does against a strong Steeler secondary next week.

Okay, just kidding, but you have to get Orton on your team. After losing Marshall in the off-season, Orton has suddenly found himself with a plethora of weapons at receiver with Royal, Gaffney, Lloyd, and Thomas (we'll talk about him later).

Orton is no longer the high-percentage, short pass guy from last year. Throwing for over 300 yards with 2 TD's, he carved up the Seattle secondary. Adding to a pretty good performance last week against Jacksonville, Orton looks like a very viable bye week fill-in and fringe match-up option.

Owned in 46.3 percent ESPN leagues and 57 percent Yahoo, so there is a decent chance he isn't available. However, be sure to open a roster spot for him if he is.

The problem with Sanchez in week 1 was not only a good Baltimore secondary, but the unwillingness of the Jets staff to put the offense in his hands. Sanchez was limited to short check-downs, although some of that was on him.

However, the Jets really let him air it out this week against the rival Patriots in what was a huge divisional game. Sanchez responded, completing 21 of his 30 passes for 220 yards and three scores.

You can't expect that every week, but if the Jets keep their confidence in letting him lead the team rather than avoid mistakes, good things could be in store for the second-year guy.

Sanchez does play the Dolphins week 3, so he's probably not the best play next week.

Owned in 22.6 percent ESPN leagues, 32 percent Yahoo

Other QB's to consider: Bruce Gradkowski, Raiders; Shaun Hill, Lions

Running Backs

Peyton Hillis, Browns

Week 2: 8 rushes 35 yds, 1 TD; 3 rec. 26 yds.

The pickings are pretty thin for RB's if you're scouring the waiver wire for a viable fantasy rusher. Hillis was a pretty popular option last week, and continues to be after this week.

Despite receiving just half the carries Harrison had, he actually rushed for more yards. He also got the goal line touchdown and it definitely helps that Harrison fumbled.

Hillis is a low upside guy, but if you need somebody who can get you about 10-15 touches he is the guy. There's not much else to say about him; if you need RB help, he's the guy to target this week.

Hillis is owned in 55.4 percent of ESPN leagues, but just 29 percent on Yahoo.

Jason Snelling, Falcons

Snelling was the beneficiary of injuries to both Norwood and Turner in week 2 against a suspect Cardinals defense. Unfortunately, with a healthy Turner this probably never would have happened. I'm including Snelling in this article to tell you NOT to add him, unless you are in a deep league or want to handcuff Turner.

Turner's groin injury was very insignificant, to the point that he could've come back if the game wasn't ridiculously out of hand like it was. The same goes for Mike Tolbert, who had a similarly impressive day but Mathews could've also come back in if the game wasn't a laugher. Like Snelling, however, he could be a decent handcuff if you have the roster spot for him. Bottom line is, these guys could get some more carries as a result of their performances but they're still backups.

Other RB's to consider: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Patriots? Bleh. Most carries on the team, but pretty awful.

Wide Receivers

Demaryius Thomas, Broncos

8 rec. 97 Yds. 1 TD

In his first game in the NFL, Demaryius Thomas has already established himself as one of Orton's more favored receiving options. As a first round pick in the 2010 draft, there's no question that the Broncos like what they see in him and want to get him involved in the passing game.

There are other mouths to feed in the Denver passing attack, but you have to think that with how much they looked to Thomas in his very first pro game, he could quickly become a WR3/flex.

Owned in just 1.7 percent of ESPN leagues and 28 percent of Yahoo.

Kevin Walter, Texans

11 rec. 144 Yds. 1 TD

Walter is the pickup of the week, in my opinion. Andre Johnson wasn't gone for long, so it wasn't his leg injury that caused Walter to have the day he did. There was much talk about Jacoby Jones pushing Walter out of the spot opposite AJ, but the fact is that Walter has outscored Jones in both weeks this season.

Walter had a fantastic day, and cashed in on all 11 targets he got. Be sure to pick him up as your top priority claim, because he could be a viable high-end WR3/flex if he continues to be a significant factor in the high powered Houston passing game.

Owned in only 10.4 percent of ESPN, 33 percent Yahoo leagues.

Louis Murphy, Raiders

6 rec. 91 Yds. 1 TD

The options become all relatively hit and miss after Walter and Thomas, but Murphy looked pretty good as the top receiver for Oakland with Gradkowski in at QB. Murphy is definitely worth a look in deeper leagues, as he was one of the top options last year and could be a decent emergency option.

Available in 68.9 percent of ESPN, 93 percent Yahoo leagues.

Jordan Shipley, Bengals

5 rec. 42 Yds.

Shipley is a guy I saw as a Welker-lite and made sure to draft in rookie drafts this season. He was a popular waiver add last week, but largely because of his 50+ Hail Mary grab. However, this week, I think his performance, while not mind blowing, really solidifies his role as the possession/slot guy in Cincinnati.

His value isn't great in standard scoring leagues, but in PPR this rookie out of Texas who could make the lineup on bye-weeks if his popularity with Palmer persists.

Owned in just 3.6 percent of ESPN leagues and seven percent Yahoo, Shipley is probably a guy who is available on your waiver wire.

See what I mean? Lots of hit and miss guys available in most leagues, but Thomas and Walter are must adds.

Tight Ends

Aaron Hernandez, Patriots

6 rec. 101 Yds.

It's become more clear who the TE to own is in Foxboro. Hernandez went over the century mark, actually leading the team in receiving in the loss against the Jets on Sunday. He isn't the established starter yet, but with Gronkowski having just two receptions in two games, Hernandez seems to have earned Brady's trust.

You shouldn't rely on Hernandez yet, but definitely snatch him before anyone else can to make sure that if he truly breaks out you won't need to sweat your waiver position.

Available in 96.5 percent of ESPN leagues, 90 percent Yahoo.

Tony Moeaki, Chiefs

5 rec. 58 Yds.

Another popular TE waiver option last week, Moeaki has solidfied his status as one of Cassel's favorite targets. He led the team with his 58 yds. and could quickly become a very viable fantasy no.2 TE. If he can show that he is the go-to guy near the end zone, that would make him an even more attractive option.

Moeaki is owned in just 1.3 percent of ESPN and 2 percent of Yahoo leagues.